Which of the following is a key difference between "Coo Coo" by Dink Roberts and European-based folk ballads?

Which of the following is a key difference between "Coo Coo" by Dink Roberts and European-based folk ballads?

• A. The principle instrument is percussive
• B. European folk music uses call and response extensively
• C. Roberts's piece is not a strict narrative
• D. The piece is recorded a cappella

Answer: (C)

The distinction that Roberts's piece is not a strict narrative highlights a key characteristic that sets "Coo Coo" apart from many European-based folk ballads. European folk ballads often follow a clear, structured narrative that tells a specific story, complete with characters, settings, and a sequence of events. In contrast, "Coo Coo," while it may evoke imagery and themes, does not adhere to a strict narrative framework. Instead, it may focus on feelings, moods, or cultural expressions without the necessity of a detailed storyline. This reflects a broader approach in some African American folk traditions, where the emphasis often lies on the emotional or communal aspect of the music rather than storytelling in a conventional sense. Understanding this difference helps to illuminate the diverse forms and functions of musical expression across cultures, particularly in the context of the influences shaping American folk music.

The distinction that Roberts's piece is not a strict narrative highlights a key characteristic that sets "Coo Coo" apart from many European-based folk ballads. European folk ballads often follow a clear, structured narrative that tells a specific story, complete with characters, settings, and a sequence of events. In contrast, "Coo Coo," while it may evoke imagery and themes, does not adhere to a strict narrative framework. Instead, it may focus on feelings, moods, or cultural expressions without the necessity of a detailed storyline.

This reflects a broader approach in some African American folk traditions, where the emphasis often lies on the emotional or communal aspect of the music rather than storytelling in a conventional sense. Understanding this difference helps to illuminate the diverse forms and functions of musical expression across cultures, particularly in the context of the influences shaping American folk music.